Scrimmage Saturday

POLSON — Sophomore Jon Huetmaker scored four goals and senior Sean Hart scored three as the Polson soccer team saw its first live game action against itself last Saturday.

“We’re close to being in soccer shape,” head coach Jess Kittle said. “Their were no subs and I told them that ‘you’re going to have to get used to it.’”

The team showcased its passing game as they were able to move the ball around well and in total, 13 goals were scored by a team that led the Northwest A conference last year in fewest goals allowed.

“We take a lot of pride in our passing game,” Kittle, who also played in the game, said.

Kittle said that players will still have to get used to conserving energy and focusing on defense when they start to get tired. Last year, The team finished last year 7-4-1 and was just one goal shy of making the playoffs.

“They can’t stop thinking,” Kittle said. “They can’t get tired and turn things off.”

Junior Clay Frissell  showcased his goalkeeping skills as well, making numerous saves that would have otherwise been sure scores.

“Clay is a beast,” Kittle said.

Players had two 45-minute halfs and some changed sides between the red and green jerseys at halftime. Kittle felt that the team as a whole needs to continue working to improve themselves on a daily basis.

“We need to keep improving in all aspects of the game,” Kittle said. “We need to do better with defensive positioning and make good shots on goal.”

The Pirates’ first home game of the season will be this weekend against Stillwater at 6 p.m. on Aug. 31 in Polson.